Chargers tight end Hunter Henry suffered a season-ending ACL tear during organized team activities (OTA) last week. The search for a new TE to replace Henry, following his injury is something worth monitoring. The team could be considering bringing back Antonio Gates, who spent 15 seasons with them and quarterback Philip Rivers seems to be in favor of it.

“I would always be excited if he walked through that door. It would get my vote,” Rivers said, per ESPN’s Eric D. Williams.

Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowler, racked up 11,508 receiving yards and 114 touchdowns during his time with the Bolts. Los Angeles elected not to re-sign Gates in April, and he remains a free agent.

It should come as no surprise why Rivers would love to have Gates back on the team. The seven-time Pro Bowl QB wouldn’t be the player he is if it wasn’t for the teammate who had one of the most reliable connections on and off the football field and are among the best duos in NFL history to this day.

TE Virgil Green, Braedon Bowman, and Sean Culkin are some of the tight ends already on the roster. None of these players really have the experience to take on the No. 1 job.

General manager Tom Telesco stated that they will explore all options to find Henry’s replacement and add depth at the position, but Gates should be atop of the list since he knows the system better than anyone else.